Lights! Lights! Lights!
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 925
Likes: 11
From: Rochester MN
Bikes: Raleigh Port Townsend, Raleigh Tourist
I just wanted to know how you find your Reelights for riding in total darkness? I broke down, and purchased the 770 set, and currently have them installed, but am thinking that the front light may have been a mistake as it is not very bright.
Thoughts? Do you think that instead of running it to the rear magnets, putting its' own magnets and generators on the front wheel would provide more light?
Just a thought.
Thanks!
Thoughts? Do you think that instead of running it to the rear magnets, putting its' own magnets and generators on the front wheel would provide more light?
Just a thought.
Thanks!
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 925
Likes: 11
From: Rochester MN
Bikes: Raleigh Port Townsend, Raleigh Tourist
There are brackets made to attach headlights to the fork blades and also brackets made to attach the light to the the front brake pivot bolt. One thing to consider, is all of these brackets I have seen have been designed so the light is bolted to the bike, so you're not going to take the light inside with you. Also, those brackets will not work with all lights.
#29
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,267
Likes: 7
From: NA
Bikes: NA
in my experience, those ultra cheap fleabay and lameazon cree lights simply do not hold up to commuting abuse (e.g. wet weather and daily removal). i've bought a few and the velcro pouch disintegrated or the cord shorted out in a few months. also the batteries are complete junk and possibly even dangerous.
#30
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
I'm preparing myself for the wrath of some users on this forum as I write this post.
I use the L&M Urban 700 light on my bars and the L&M Vis 360 on my helmet. I had my first true commute in the dark yesterday on my way home from work (thanks, Fall Back!). The Vis 360 I'm using primarily for visibility to drivers; keep it on strobe mode and I'm happy with it. I have to say that I was disappointed in the Urban 700 though. I'm not saying it isn't bright enough, but the beam pattern certainly does not deliver the light where it's needed. This was especially apparent on poorly lit streets and MUP/trail sections. It leaks a lot of light out to the sides, and does not throw light as far forward as I would like.
So, now I'm in the market for a new light. I don't know that I want something brighter, just more efficient. Probably looking for a more triangular reflector I suppose rather than the spherical one on the Urban 700. I'm OK spending some dough on a good lighting setup. Even contemplating going with a Dyno system so I don't have to pull the light off and charge it after every ride...
I use the L&M Urban 700 light on my bars and the L&M Vis 360 on my helmet. I had my first true commute in the dark yesterday on my way home from work (thanks, Fall Back!). The Vis 360 I'm using primarily for visibility to drivers; keep it on strobe mode and I'm happy with it. I have to say that I was disappointed in the Urban 700 though. I'm not saying it isn't bright enough, but the beam pattern certainly does not deliver the light where it's needed. This was especially apparent on poorly lit streets and MUP/trail sections. It leaks a lot of light out to the sides, and does not throw light as far forward as I would like.
So, now I'm in the market for a new light. I don't know that I want something brighter, just more efficient. Probably looking for a more triangular reflector I suppose rather than the spherical one on the Urban 700. I'm OK spending some dough on a good lighting setup. Even contemplating going with a Dyno system so I don't have to pull the light off and charge it after every ride...
#31
edit: if it's a wicker or other solid basket,you could use a Blackburn Flea with one of these mounts. They're very bright lights. The front's don't last very long(I get about 4.5hrs on blink mode),but if you work on a computer,they're easy to recharge with the USB charger.
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C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Brompton S6L/S2E-X/M6L-X/S12 T Line


C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Brompton S6L/S2E-X/M6L-X/S12 T Line

Last edited by dynaryder; 11-06-13 at 04:24 PM.
#32
White LED's require more juice than red LED's,so if your system uses the same set of magnets to power both front/rear,the front just isn't going to be very bright.
__________________

C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Brompton S6L/S2E-X/M6L-X/S12 T Line


C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Brompton S6L/S2E-X/M6L-X/S12 T Line

#33
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
I'm preparing myself for the wrath of some users on this forum as I write this post.
I use the L&M Urban 700 light on my bars and the L&M Vis 360 on my helmet. I had my first true commute in the dark yesterday on my way home from work (thanks, Fall Back!). The Vis 360 I'm using primarily for visibility to drivers; keep it on strobe mode and I'm happy with it. I have to say that I was disappointed in the Urban 700 though. I'm not saying it isn't bright enough, but the beam pattern certainly does not deliver the light where it's needed. This was especially apparent on poorly lit streets and MUP/trail sections. It leaks a lot of light out to the sides, and does not throw light as far forward as I would like.
So, now I'm in the market for a new light. I don't know that I want something brighter, just more efficient. Probably looking for a more triangular reflector I suppose rather than the spherical one on the Urban 700. I'm OK spending some dough on a good lighting setup. Even contemplating going with a Dyno system so I don't have to pull the light off and charge it after every ride...
I use the L&M Urban 700 light on my bars and the L&M Vis 360 on my helmet. I had my first true commute in the dark yesterday on my way home from work (thanks, Fall Back!). The Vis 360 I'm using primarily for visibility to drivers; keep it on strobe mode and I'm happy with it. I have to say that I was disappointed in the Urban 700 though. I'm not saying it isn't bright enough, but the beam pattern certainly does not deliver the light where it's needed. This was especially apparent on poorly lit streets and MUP/trail sections. It leaks a lot of light out to the sides, and does not throw light as far forward as I would like.
So, now I'm in the market for a new light. I don't know that I want something brighter, just more efficient. Probably looking for a more triangular reflector I suppose rather than the spherical one on the Urban 700. I'm OK spending some dough on a good lighting setup. Even contemplating going with a Dyno system so I don't have to pull the light off and charge it after every ride...
#35
Kitten Legion Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 900
Likes: 1
Bikes: Fuji silhouette, Dawes SST-aL
Does anyone have any suggestions for good lights that are not too costly? I am very intrigued with the Monkey Light 8-Bit Wheel Light. Does anyone have any experience with these?
As for right now, the only lights that I have on Lola are the Bicycle Spoke LED Lights in Amber - one front & one back.
I was thinking about some lights by Knog. Does anyone have any thoughts on these, or any of the others?
Thank you.
As for right now, the only lights that I have on Lola are the Bicycle Spoke LED Lights in Amber - one front & one back.
I was thinking about some lights by Knog. Does anyone have any thoughts on these, or any of the others?
Thank you.
#36
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Bikes: Lola (2012 Schwinn Voyageur 7)
#37
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Bikes: Lola (2012 Schwinn Voyageur 7)
It does use the same generator/set of three magnets attached to the rear wheel to power both front/rear. I am thinking that if I go with another generator/magnet set on the front wheel it will add a little more juice to the headlight. Thanks!
#38
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
I have a few bikes with a few lights. The light i like most is the metro 300 (i think they just upgrade them to 360). I have 2 of them on my hybird. I also like the minewt pro 750 (on another bike). the planet bike 1 and 2 watt lights are junk (kept them for back up lights or to give to someone who doesnt have a light on them. I dont care for the mitycross 360 ( it seems to washed out ). If you are gonna ride at night alot i would have atleast 2 lights (i always have atleast 2 as things happen (u forget to charge it, longer bike ride then expected, one craps out,etc.)). Also test it if i will effect your bike computer (if u have or use one). I had (still have) some light that will affect the bike computer like my planet bike 1 and 2 watt (they mess up my planet bike computers,sigma and a few others).
#39
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Florida, U.S.A.
Bikes: sport touring with small front back baskets. 17 mph
You could try something like this light mount for baskets. https://www.minoura.jp/english/accessory-e/lh100-e.html
.
#40
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,114
Likes: 3
From: Garner, NC 27529
Bikes: Built up DT, 2007 Fuji tourer (donor bike, RIP), 1995 1220 Trek
no wrath from me, but curious to find out what you decide on. L&m really brags about their beam pattern. I use a non-l&m light as my primary, but my wife has a urban 200 for some evening riding which i thought was a pretty nice light for what it is (not as powefull enough for my night commutes though). I was actually considering moving to a l&m urban 700 plus vis 360+ on my helmet, but after reading this i may do some more research.
Pairing it with CREE mj-880 clone.
#41
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfield CA
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus Sport
I made a great really bright tail light with battery operated red led Christmas lights ($6), a spoon with holes from the Dollar Store ($1),
and the bottom of a 2 ltr coke bottle. I get comments all the time on the path...as bright as or brighter than the $60 models in the bike shop. Been using it for a year.
and the bottom of a 2 ltr coke bottle. I get comments all the time on the path...as bright as or brighter than the $60 models in the bike shop. Been using it for a year.
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